The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware database is missing or corrupt. Would you like to download a new copy?

What does this Malwarebytes Anti-Malware message mean?

You may have been interrupted by a pop-up notification that says The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware database is missing or corrupt. Would you like to download a new copy? while Malwarebytes is running or while attempting to run the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program. So what does this Malwarebytes Anti-Malware pop up notification mean?

The notification (as pictured above) might possibly identify that the particular computer system is infected with malware that may have attempted to change the existing Malwarebytes database or additional files used to run the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

Though it has not been stated by Malwarebytes, it may also be possible that the software may have a “bug” that caused the database to malfunction. This means the “database is missing or corrupt” message does not indicate that the computer system is infected with malware. Please note, this is often the case.

How to fix the database is missing or corrupt message

If you receive the database is missing or corrupt message while attempting to run the free version of Malwarebytes (or while Malwarebytes Pro is running) there are 4 different solutions to repair the Malwarebytes database explained below.

1. Download a new copy (click yes)

When the message is prompted, click Yes to download a new copy of Malwarebytes (or this may initiate an update).

2. Update Malwarebytes

If you are given the option the update the Malwarebytes database, do it. This has often solved the database is missing or corrupt issue.

3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Cleanup Utility

1. Download and run mbam-clean.exe from here. This will remove the current version of Malwarebytes and make a pop-up notification appear that might say “This utility will remove all components of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from your system. Are you sure you want to continue?”, click Yes. (please allow it restart your computer system)

2. After the computer restarts, temporarily disable your Anti-Virus and install the latest version of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware from here

• Note: You will need to reactivate the program using the license you were sent via email if using the Pro version
• Launch the program and set the Protection and Registration. Then go to the UPDATE tab if not done during installation and check for updates.
  Restart the computer again and verify that MBAM is in the task tray if using the Pro version. Now setup any file exclusions as may be required in your Anti-Virus/Internet-Security/Firewall applications and restart your Anti-Virus/Internet-Security applications. You may use the guides posted in the FAQ’s here or ask and we’ll explain how to do it.

4. Manually Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (External)

Manually updating Malwarebytes requires access to a working computer. The second computer should have access to the internet and should have a version of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installed onto the system.

1. Open the Malwarebytes database location (as shown below).

• For Windows XP and 2000 users, open and copy from the following location:C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\rules.ref
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 users, open and copy from the following location:C:\ProgramData\Malwarebytes\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\rules.ref

2. Copy the database file titled “rules.ref” to your computer in the same database location according to your operating system.

You can manually copy the database using a flash drive or CD to the PC which needs the latest definition. In the target computer, you have to paste the definition update in the same location as stated above.